frequently asked questions
At Lacasse Counselling, we understand that starting therapy can come with many questions, so we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about our services
1
what is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a Registered Psychotherapist and a client, grounded in a relationship where change becomes possible. Through conversation, reflection, and careful attention to what's going on beneath the surface, psychotherapy can shift how you think, feel, relate to others, and move through your life.
People usually come to therapy when they're facing a persistent difficulty, a painful pattern, a sense of being stuck, or simply a desire to understand themselves more deeply. The work is personal, confidential, and shaped by who you are and what you're bringing.
In Ontario, psychotherapy is a regulated health profession overseen by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
2
what are the qualifications of your therapists?
Our clinicians are regulated mental health professionals in Ontario, either Registered Psychotherapists (RP) or Registered Social Workers (RSW), who hold a Master's Degree and are authorized to practice psychotherapy.
Registered Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), while Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Both colleges set rigorous standards for education, supervised clinical experience, ethics, and ongoing professional development.
Working with a regulated professional means your therapist's training, ethics, and practice are accountable to a governing body, which protects you as a client and ensures a consistent standard of care.
3
what kind of therapy do you offer?
Our work is grounded in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic principles, combined with action-oriented approaches that support real, lasting change.
We believe that the challenges you face are often symptoms of deeper psychological patterns, and for that reason, therapy with us isn't only about alleviating what you're experiencing in the moment. It's about understanding where those patterns come from, how they've taken shape over time, and how they continue to influence your inner life and your relationships.
By addressing the root, not just the symptom, we help you move toward meaningful, durable change.
To learn more about how we apply this approach across different contexts, visit our Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Online Therapy pages.
4
who do you work with?
We work with adults, both individuals and couples, who are navigating emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges, and who are drawn to understanding themselves at a deeper level.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we help you explore what lies beneath them. The challenges that bring people to therapy, persistent sadness, recurring conflict, patterns that feel impossible to break, are often symptoms of something older and deeper.
Our role is to help you understand those dynamics so that change becomes possible, not just temporary relief.
6
how do I book a first session?
Unlike many clinics, we don't offer direct online booking for first sessions. We believe that assessing relational and clinical fit matters before making any financial, emotional, or psychological investment.
During your free 15-minute consultation, you and your therapist will determine relational fit and ensure that the clinical conditions for an in-depth process are in place, consistent scheduling, the right frequency, and mutual commitment. Your therapist will then book your first session directly with you, typically reserving a weekly spot to honour the consistency your process will require.
5
do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a free 15-minute video consultation before your first session. It's a chance for you and your therapist to meet, ask questions, and get to know one another before committing to the process.
Because we practice at a depth-oriented level, we take this step seriously. The therapeutic relationship, the alliance between you and your therapist, is at the core of the process, and we want you to feel that the fit is right from the start. We'll also use the call to ensure we can find a schedule that maintains consistency, which is essential to honouring the depth of the work.
If you're not sure which clinician to meet with, our Client Care Team will guide you through an initial intake conversation and help match you with someone whose approach aligns with what you're looking for.
6
what happens in a first session?
The first session is a space for us to meet, for you to share what's brought you to therapy, and for us to begin understanding what you're looking for. There's no pressure to arrive with clarity or a specific goal. Many people come simply knowing that something isn't working, and that's enough to begin.
We'll talk about what you're experiencing, explore some of the context, and discuss how the work might unfold. By the end, you'll have a sense of what it would be like to continue, and whether the fit feels right.
You can read more about what the process looks like on our Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy pages.
7
how long does the therapeutic process last?
In-depth psychotherapy is open-ended by design. Rather than following a fixed number of sessions, the work unfolds at its own pace, shaped by what you bring, what emerges, and the depth of engagement you want.
There's no predetermined endpoint, and no pressure to arrive anywhere quickly. When the work feels complete, you and your therapist will recognize it together.
Sessions are typically weekly, which helps build continuity and depth. Some clients eventually move to biweekly once the work feels well-established.
You can read more about what the process looks like on our Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy pages.
8
how long does each therapy session last?
Session length depends on the type of work. Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes, and some couples therapy sessions may go up to 60 minutes.
9
how much does therapy cost?
Fees range from $185 to $255 per session, depending on the therapist's experience and the type of work.
Reduced-fee therapy is available at $115 per session during student placements. Our student therapists are selected for their clinical sensibility and depth of understanding, and they work under close supervision throughout their training.
10
are your services covered by insurance?
Most extended health plans in Canada cover services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Worker, though coverage varies by provider and by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm the details of your coverage before beginning your process.
11
is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential and protected under Ontario's health privacy legislation, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). There are legal exceptions, involving risk of serious harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child, or a court order, which your therapist will explain during your first session.
12
do you offer therapy in languages other than English?
Yes. We offer therapy in both English and French, depending on the clinician. Reach out and we'll help match you with someone who can work in the language you prefer.
13
do you offer online therapy sessions?
Yes. Online therapy is available through the Jane App platform, which is secure and PHIPA-compliant.
14
where is your practice located?
15
Is parking available?
Onsite parking is not available at the clinic. However, street parking is generally accessible on the surrounding streets, and a municipal parking lot operated by the City of Ottawa is located at the corner of Bank Street and Chamberlain Avenue.